Effect of Seed Rate on Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) under Front Line Demonstrations in Poonch

Among several crop management factors sowing method, seeding rate and selection of appropriate genotype have prime roles in affecting wheat productivity. Most of the times, farmers are in practice of using excess seed rate to the tune of 160kg/ha against recommended 120 kg/ha. This affects crop production due to competition among plants resulting from higher plant density for available resources. Demonstration on farmer’s field is a proven way to demonstrate the technology to increase the adoption rate among farmers. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Poonch therefore conducted On-farm demonstrations to popularize the importance of optimum seed rate in wheat. The investigation was carried out in the Poonch Block in five village panchayats. Eighty front line demonstrations on wheat variety WH 1080 were laid using 120 kg seed per hectare. Seed rate of 120 kg/ha produced more numbers of grains per ear (52) and 1000 grain weight (38.48 g) and grain yield (33.8 quintals/ha); while for seed rate of 160 kg/ha less numbers of grains per ear (44) and 1000 grain weight (38.04 g) and grain yield (27.2 quintals/ha) were obtained. Optimum seed rate @ 120 kg/ha also gave highest net returns per hectare (Rs. 41,592) with benefit cost ratio (3.02); whereas, farmer’s practice of broadcasting higher seed rate @ 160kg/ha recorded lower net returns (Rs. 28,448) and benefit cost ratio (2.32). It is, therefore, recommended that wheat should be sown with seed rate of 120 kg/ha for higher yield and net returns.